In 2014 I started keeping a list of fighters that were injured (and even died) from rapid extreme weight cuts. In 2016 I stood up before the entire ABC convention in Las Vegas and read North American regulators the list so they cannot feign ignorance. Nothing has changed. In 2019 UFC fighter Aspen Ladd struggled … More Another UFC Fighter Misses Weight Looking Ill on the Scales. Will Regulators Act?

As first reported by Conduct Detrimental, Mark Hunt’s appeal in his doping lawsuit against the UFC has been revived. By way of background Mark Hunt fought and lost to Brock Lesnar in 2017. Prior to the bout the UFC waived their normal doping protocols for Lesnar as an athlete (re)joining the promotion. After the bout … More Appeal Breathes New Life Into Mark Hunt UFC Doping Lawsuit

OK, this post is not law related but Roxanne Modaferri (who combatsportslaw had the pleasure of sponsoring a few times over the years during her run in InvictaFC) is about to set an MMA record. With her upcoming appearance at UFC 266 she will tie the record for most professional MMA bouts in woman’s history. … More Roxanne “The Record Breaker” Modafferi!

Vitor Belfort is old. Evander Holyfield is much older. After a bout between Belfort and Oscar De La Hoya fell through because the latter came down with Covid-19 the promoter of the foiled bout suggested Evander Holyfield as a replacement. California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster advised me that “I was not agreeable … More Let’s Talk Florida Licensing Standards And Holyfield vs Belfort

Further Update September 7, 2021 – VADA themselves have now come out with public comment in wake of this scandal noting that their prohibited list bans certain stimulants at all times because “stimulants can enhance performance in ways that include, but are not limited to, increased metabolic rate, power, and strength. They decrease fatigue, aid … More Let’s Talk Oscar Valdez, VADA, WADA and the WBC “Clean Boxing” Program

For years the Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association (MMAFA) has been lobbying Congress to bring the Ali Act to MMA. For those unfamiliar with the Act it sets certain standards for professional boxing across the US. Most noteworthy is it prevents promoters from controlling their own titles and gives rank and title as property rights … More US Athletic Commissioner Calls For Ali Act To Be Brought to MMA

Last week I reported that Colorado became the first US State Athletic Commission to approve the ruleset used by One Championship in Mixed Martial Arts which includes the use of knees to the head of grounded opponents. I made a further open records request to the State to obtain a copy of the full ruleset … More Full Colorado Approved “One Championship Global Ruleset”

In boxing and other combat sports head gear does not prevent concussions. Head gear does not reduce concussions. At best head gear is neutral for concussions. More realistically head gear increases concussions. The science says so. Among the speculated reasons are it makes the head a bigger target so its hit more frequently, reduces field … More Let’s Talk Olympic Boxing, Brain Trauma and Sexism

In the latest development in the ever shifting combat sports regulatory landscape, this week the Kansas athletic commission has introduced ‘champions rules’ for older (or possibly those deemed of lesser skill) MMA fighters. The ruleset will make its debut this weekend with a bout scheduled between a 38 year old and and 52 year old … More Kansas Introduces “Champions Rules” For Older MMA Fighters

Let’s talk seconds in combat sports. Also known as cornermen. The men and women who act as a last line of defence in boxing, mixed martial arts and other full contact combative sports where brain trauma is a looming reality. Texas has chosen to ‘deregulate’ this job. Starting September 1, 2021 anyone can be a … More Texas “Deregulates” Combat Sports Seconds